Paul Mario Day, original vocalist of Iron Maiden, died on Wednesday at age 69, victim of cancer, as his mare teammates have announced, the music band that he created in the 80s after his departure from Iron Maiden. Day, born on April 19, 1956, only remained in the historic Heavy Metal formation 10 months after the group’s foundation, in 1975.
“We are sad to find out about the death of the great vocalist of More, Paul Mario Day. Warhead. It was a very dear figure in British music and played many memorable concerts. We send our most condolences to Paul’s family and friends, as well as the many fans around the world who love their music. Put your music at full volume and sing with him. Thank you, ”said the Bare Band on your Facebook profile.
Iron Maiden has also published a farewell message on his social networks: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden’s first vocalist in 1975. Our most condolences to his family and friends. Paul was a lovely person and a good friend.” Day became the first singer of the mythical band at age 19, when bassist Steve Harris recruited him at the end of 1975. The group made its presentation live in Poplar (London), on May 1, 1976, and then made a residence in a pub at the nearby Stratford. He remained in the group less than a year.
We are deeply saddened that Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden’s first ever vocalist back in 1975, has passed away. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Paul’s family and friends.
Paul was a lovely person and good mate.
Rest in peace Paul. pic.twitter.com/7vR5w1l9mZ
— Iron Maiden (@IronMaiden) July 30, 2025
In 2019, Day commented on his departure from the band: “Steve told me: ‘You have to improve. You have to be more present before the public. You have to be imposing. You have to be a hero’. And I agreed, but the truth is that I did not know how to achieve it. I received a warning for about three months: ‘Controlled. What Steve did was trying to triumph.
His substitute, Dennis Wilcock, was not long and was replaced by Paul Di’anno, who was fired for drug and alcohol abuse and replaced by the longest vocalist, Bruce Dickinson. In 1980, Day formed More and remained with the band until 1982, playing at the famous Donington Monsters of Rock festival in 1981. During his time with the group they were also Teleros de Maiden on the 1981 Killers tour. Later he joined the band Wildfirey and finally led the Glam Rock Sweet renovated band.